Overview

In 2009, the operating height of approximately one fourth of underground coal mines in the U.S. restricted mine workers to kneeling, crawling, and/or stooping posture to perform work [MSHA 2009]. The large number of knee injuries to these workers is likely attributed to exposure to musculoskeletal disorder risk factors (prolonged kneeling, crawling, and twisting on one's knees). Therefore, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has investigated three different biomechanical parameters (muscle activity of the knee flexors and extensors, pressure at the knee, and the net forces and moments at the knee) as subjects assumed postures common to low-seam mining, both with and without kneepads. The postures evaluated included: (1) kneeling near full flexion; (2) kneeling near 90 Degrees of knee flexion; (3) kneeling on one knee; and (4) squatting. The pressure and the net forces and moments at the knee were evaluated as subjects statically assumed these postures. However, negligible muscle activity existed for these static postures. Therefore, muscle activity of the knee flexors and extensors was evaluated for each posture while subjects performed a lateral lift that is common to low-seam mining where they lifted a 25-lb block from their right side, transferred it across their body, and placed it on the ground on their left side. The results indicated that, relative to the stresses posed by other kneeling postures, some postures had may have more detrimental effects than others. Considering the potential impact of the three biomechanical parameters, several key recommendations were made regarding when it may be most appropriate to use specific postures. Additional recommendations were also made regarding the design of kneepads. This study investigated three biomechanical parameters associated with knee loading that are potentially related to knee injury risk. In order to determine the effects that commonly used postures in low-seam mining and wearing or not wearing kneepads have on these parameters, three objectives were met for three kneepad conditions (no kneepad, articulated kneepad, and nonarticulated kneepad, both of which were reported by distributors to be very commonly used): 1. Examine the electromyographic (EMG) responses of knee flexors and extensors during a lateral lifting task in kneeling and squatting postures associated with low-seam mining (Note: Static trials were excluded from this analysis because only minimal activity was observed in these trials). It was hypothesized that changes in posture would result in altered muscular demands required to accomplish the lifting task, and would be reflected by changes in the magnitudes and patterns of EMG activity of the knee flexors and extensors. 2. For static postures associated with low-seam mining, determine the pressures applied to the landmarks of the knee identified during pilot testing as being responsible for transmitting the majority of load to the knee (patella, patellar tendon, and tibial tubercle). It was hypothesized that the pressure and pressure distribution at the knee would be significantly affected by wearing a kneepad and by the simulated posture. It was further hypothesized that the type of kneepad worn would significantly affect the pressure and pressure distribution at the knee. 3. For postures associated with low-seam mining, investigate the net externally applied forces and moments at the knee and resulting joint kinematics. It was hypothesized that significant differences will be detected in the loading profiles between kneeling and squatting, as well as between the low-flexion (kneeling on one knee and kneeling near 90 Degrees flexion) and higher-flexion (squatting and kneeling near full flexion) postures.

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